St Andrew's again find success

Orienteering squad make it four wins in five years

PANGBOURNE’S St Andrew’s School has found its way to a fourth British Schools Orienteering Championship in five years after the finals held at Sutton Coldfield.

St Andrew’s won the middle prep school category after their team of 22 aged between eight and 12, had to find a series of control posts around Sutton Park, using a map and compass.

The West Berkshire prep school finished comfortably ahead of their rivals and to claim the trophy and the gold medals, and in addition, the boys in Years four and five were placed second in the B5 class to take the silver medals, a feat matched by the Year eight girls.

It was the youngest girls in the years four and five group who went one better to take the gold in their age category with nine-year old Fenella Greatrix winning the individual bronze medal.

Twelve year old team captain Cosima Williams said: “I am really happy to be leading this squad and so proud of their achievements,” sentiments echoed by the teacher in charge of orienteering at St Andrew’s, Glyn Thomas. “The BSOC in November is the pinnacle of our orienteering year,” he said.

“We regularly attend events organised by our local club, the Berkshire Orienteers, who have been wonderfully supportive of our school over the years, and the children’s hard work and dedication have paid off.”

Having won the BSOC middle/prep school trophy in 2012, 2013, 2014 and now 2016, the St Andrew’s orienteers are already making plans to defend their title when the championships move to the Forest of Dean in November.